SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 1
MEMORY VERSES:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Probers 1:7)
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”
“My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.” (Proverbs 1:10)
The English word of “PROVERB” is made up of two Latin words: “Pro” means instead of and “Verba” means words. Therefore, Proverb is a short statement that summarizes a wise principle. The Hebrew word translated “proverb” as “a comparison”. So many proverbs are comparisons and contrasts.
The theme of Proverb is “wisdom” which enables you to evaluate circumstances in making the right decisions. The wise sayings in proverbs are distilled truth practical for daily living. It consists of sayings, principles, warnings, counsels, reminders, admonitions and contrasts to serve as a guide book for practical wisdom in governing your life. It teaches you about tongue, money matters, friendship, home and business. The aim of this book is to give the godly person skill in human relationships and endeavors. The authors of Proverbs are Solomon, Agur and Lemuel. There are 31 chapters of Proverbs which means you need to read one chapter a day to complete the whole book in one month.
PURPOSE OF PROVERBS:
- For attaining wisdom and disciple; for understanding words of insight. (v. 2)
- For acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right, just and fair; (v. 3)
- For giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young. (v. 4)
- For adding learning to the wise and getting guidance to the discerning. (v. 5)
- For understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. (v. 6)
WARNINGS AGAINST ENTICEMENT: (vs. 8-19)
- Listen to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. (v. 8)
- Do not be enticed by sinners or give in to them. (v. 10)
- Do not harm people to get all sorts of valuable things and fill your house with plunder. (vs. 11-13)
- Do not make wrong choices to become greedy. (v. 14)
- Do not set foot on sinner’s path and shed innocent blood. (vs. 15-16)
- Do not go after ill-gotten wealth. (v. 19)
WARNINGS AGAINST REJECTING WISDOM: (vs. 20-33)
- If you ignore advice and refuse to accept rebuke, you will encounter disaster, calamity, distress, and trouble. And when you call me, I will not answer. When you look for me, you will not find me. (vs. 21-28)
- You will eat the fruit of your ways and schemes. (v. 31)
- The waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. (vs. 32)
THOUGHTS:
The book of Proverbs gives us practical suggestions for effective living. It focuses on God – his character, works and blessings and tells how we can live in close relationship with Him. It contains deep spiritual insights drawn from experience. It teaches us wisdom which gives us the ability to use knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, sights and judgment in our daily life.
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. To fear God means to honor and respect God and live in awe of his power and to obey His word. By trusting God, He will make you truly wise.
Sin is attractive but deadly. Refrain from going with sinful people who will entice you into wrong activities. Learn to make choices not on the basis of short range pleasure but in view of the long ranges effects. Avoid greedy desires before it destroys you.
A fool is someone with a character deficiency. His mind is not defective but he is unable to tell right from wrong or good from bad.
God is willing to give us wisdom if we are humble and willing to listen. Choose wisdom instead of rebellious independence to keep you from greater pain in the future.